At the same time we have noticed local communities and individuals come together to support one another and that is what we love about Teesdale and County Durham.

When Boris Johnson announced the closures of all pubs and restaurants on the 20th March, the local MP for Teesdale and Bishop Auckland helped organise and distribute hundreds of litres of milk and perishable goods kindly donated by local business that had to close their doors.

We have seen that businesses have had to re think how they operate over the weeks gone by with some pubs and restaurants offering a delivery service and even going as far as to providing ‘3000 free meals’ to over 70’s. Local butchers and bakers have turned to providing a delivery service too which we are sure has been vital for people in the vulnerable category who haven’t felt comfortable leaving their home as well as the communities in the rural areas.

On making our journeys into Barnard Castle for essentials we have noticed the fantastic moral support for the NHS and Key workers with shop fronts being turned into rainbows, drawings and paintings in people's windows, care homes with banners displayed and gardens featuring toys and teddyies turned into nurses and super heroes. 

The Upper Dale community have come together to create a support group called ‘In It Together’.  This group was formed by UTASS (Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services) and local business and individuals of the area. They have created a social media group, sent out emails and were covered by the local paper (Teesdale Mercury) to get the word out. Their aim has been to support the most vulnerable in getting delivery of shopping and medicines, help with dog walking, emotional support, checks on people’s safety and assistance with meals. Within hours of launching the support group online several hundred people joined with offers of help, advice and ideas.

As you can see in the midst of all the awful news surrounding Covid-19 there have been some really positive stories and real community spirit that have brought people together. We now hope that over the coming months restrictions continue to be lifted and we can begin to welcome you back to Mellwaters Barn to share this wonderful part of the country that is Teesdale and County Durham.